Will they never learn?

I am currently staying in fascinating Dubai for the one day series between Pakistan and New Zealand. The 'home' series for Pakistan is actually being played in Abu Dhabi and necessitates a daily commute that lasts about an hour if the break neck highway speed limit is maintained.

On the way to the first of three games, the smoothness of the motorway provided an ideal opportunity to read the local papers and scan all the numerous cricket stories that obviously focus on Pakistan for geographical reasons.

The Gulf Times was my read of choice on this particular journey and once I had devoured all the cricket stories my attention turned to the front pages.

I was halfway through a story on page three and suddenly my thoughts turned to very enjoyable times of not so long ago on SuperSport. If only Super Saturday was still easing you into your weekend with an early morning smile or two.

The story that grabbed my attention would have provided me with ammunition that I used to dream about.

You might remember that often, tongue in cheek, I used to go off on a male chauvinistic rant that sometimes even shocked The Perfumed Steamroller. I do stress again that it was all in the name of fun and the tone of the show, and although the odd email reached Super Saturday from humourless viewers deploring my attitude, generally most saw the funny side of it all.

The story that had me yearning for that platform again was concerning true reasons given in court papers in the UAE for divorce. It was an article that was illustrating the silliness of separation matters and how rash decisions can have foolish consequences.

One unfortunate wife was given her marching orders because she unbelievably had the insensitivity to phone her husband whilst he was watching football. Another suffered the same fate because she was late to bring a glass of water to her spouse. In South Africa or Australia of course, the consequences of that crime would be far more severe if it was a glass of beer! A third woman was divorced for using too much salt on food. It really is astonishing to think that women can make such serious mistakes and expect to get away with it. What on earth were they thinking? Why do they never learn?

The final paragraph in the article took the cake. It actually suggested that, rather than instigating divorce proceedings for "silly and childish matters", a husband should adopt a civilised and productive reconciliation method.

He was advised that: "whenever he notices bizarre behaviour from his wife, he can give her notice of such, then avoid sleeping with her in the same room and if that doesn't work out he can then whip her gently in a manner that makes her understand the situation".

I can picture Neil Andrews chuckling away as he did so many times early on a Saturday morning as my chauvinistic rants reached fever pitch!

They were fun those Super Saturday days.